What Are Earmolds, and How Do They Work?

If you have noticed that you are experiencing an increased level of hearing loss then you may need to take a trip to an audiologist. Your family members could be stating that your television is louder than usual or you are shouting when you speak. These are two common occurrences that give away you may be experiencing hearing loss. It can be quite common when you get older as your hearing declines, so it is all a part of aging. However, you don’t just have to live with it, there are treatments available that can help you hear just as well as you did before. Take a look below to find out what solutions may work for you. 

What Are Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids are a device worn either in or around the ear that amplifies sounds so you can hear better. They are designed specifically for hearing loss and which ones you wear will depend on your level of hearing loss. Most hearing aids these days will come with special features making them easier for you to wear and use.

They will all have the same electrical components making them up, this includes a microphone so sound can be picked up, an amplifier to make the sound louder, a receiver that sends the sound to your ears, and finally batteries so that your hearing aids can work effectively. 

Types Of Hearing Aid

There are a few different types of hearing aid, including rechargeable options. If you need them, then your audiologist will explain which type would be more beneficial to you. You may not be able to use a certain type, it all depends on how much hearing loss you are experiencing. Some hearing aids have earmolds that direct the flow of sound into your ear canal all while enhancing it for you. The different types are listed below for you to read all about.

• In the ear (ITE): These don’t have the loop that goes around the top of the ear which means they are more discreet. All the components and parts that make up the hearing aid are contained in the shell that sits in your ear. They are slightly larger than in the canal hearing aids which we will discuss in a bit meaning they are easier to handle and remove from your ears. 
• Behind the ear (BTE): BTE hearing aids are the ones that have the ear loop or hook that sits over your ear. These are the most common type of hearing aid and the ones that you may be panicking about wearing. As opposed to the ITE all the components making up these hearing aids sit in the plastic casing that rests behind your ear. These have an earmold which helps keep your aids in place, they are connected to the casing using a clear tubing.
• In the canal (ITC): These are the smallest hearing aids you will be able to select from, with the most discreet varieties being completely in canal (CIC) and invisible in canal (IIC). Everything is contained in the tiny shell that sits inside your ear, these are barely noticeable and usually the most common option. 

Earmolds

If you opt for or are advised to get hearing aids that require an earmold, then this will be unique to your ear. Earmolds are all custom-made to fit your ear. Care and precision goes into creating them. Earmolds usually come in two main materials, you can either get curable plastic which is hard or you can get a softer silicone earmold.

Due to being custom made, they sit comfortably in your ear and allow amazing sound to travel through. You might be worried about how they create your earmolds. Well, they pour a non-toxic solution into your ear and wait for it to harden. This then makes a mold of your ear which the professionals use to create your earmold. 

How They Work

It is quite clever how earmolds work. They work by sealing your ear canal and channeling sound that enters your hearing aid. This sound is then amplified so you can hear it crystal clear. You have to take good care of your earmolds as they can result in regular ear infections if they are not cleaned regularly. Modern earmolds will typically come with a container so you can wash and disinfect them. 

If you are concerned about any aspect of your hearing then you can learn more through Gavin Audiology and Hearing Aids by calling (914) 610-3440.